What body style is a Ranchero?
A Ranchero is a car-based pickup truck that was produced by Ford from 1957 to 1979. It combined the features of a sedan with those of a small pickup truck, creating a unique vehicle that blended utility and style.
The Origins of the Ranchero
The Ranchero was first introduced by Ford in 1957 as a response to the growing popularity of sedan-based utility vehicles in the United States. It was based on the Ford Fairlane platform and shared many of the same design elements, including the front end and interior. However, the Ranchero featured a pickup-style bed in the rear, allowing it to serve as both a passenger car and a light-duty truck.
Key Features of the Ranchero
The Ranchero was designed to be a versatile vehicle that could handle a variety of tasks, from hauling cargo to transporting passengers. Some of its key features included:
- Car-like ride and handling, thanks to its sedan-based platform
- Pickup-style bed in the rear for hauling cargo
- Available in a range of trim levels and engine options, from the base model to the high-performance Ranchero GT
- Seating for up to five passengers, depending on the model
The Ranchero was a popular choice among farmers, ranchers, and small business owners who needed a vehicle that could handle both work and leisure activities.
The Ranchero's Legacy
The Ranchero was discontinued in 1979, but its legacy lives on. The concept of a car-based pickup truck has continued to evolve, with modern examples like the Honda Ridgeline and Hyundai Santa Cruz carrying on the Ranchero's tradition of blending utility and style.
Which was more popular, El Camino or Ranchero?
Although Rancheros arrived first, El Caminos are more popular and have higher values. And although Hagerty valuation editor Andrew Newton says Rancheros have seen more growth in recent years, the Hagerty Value Rating indicates that the two trucks are headed in opposite directions in the market.
What is a Ranchero considered?
Ranchero is the term in the Spanish language (Mexican Spanish) for a rancher, meaning a person inhabiting or working on a ranch.
How much is a 1972 Ranchero worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,217 for a 1972 Ford Ranchero 500 in good condition with average spec.
What is the Chevy version of a Ranchero?
The El Camino was introduced for the 1959 model year two years after the Ford Ranchero. According to Chevrolet stylist Chuck Jordan, GM Harley Earl had suggested a coupé pickup in 1952.
What's the rarest Ford in the world?
The 50 cars all in the teeth orange paintwork. The same as the original. There are some visual cues like the Saturn black spoiler.
What type of vehicle is a Ford Ranchero?
The Ford Ranchero is a coupe utility that was produced by Ford between 1957 and 1979. Unlike a standard pickup truck, the Ranchero was adapted from a two-door station wagon platform that integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body.
What Chevy is similar to the Ford Ranchero?
Chevrolet El Camino
Chevy's first attempt to compete with the Ranchero was a utility vehicle based on the Brookwood two-door wagon. Available with a full-size Chevrolet drivetrain, early El Caminos carried Bel Air trim and Biscayne interior. The top engine was a 348-cu-in V-8.
Is the Ford Ranchero a muscle car?
The 1968 Ranchero GT marked the first muscle car version of Ford's ute, which was powered Ford's then-new 5.0-liter (302ci) V-8 making 210 hp as standard issue.
How rare are Ford Rancheros?
Ranchero production was modest, with 508,355 sold in 22 years. The best years were 40,334 in 1972 and 45,741 in '73, but sales were usually half that. The rarest model is 1958, when only 9950 left the factory—fewer than half the 21,696 sold in the launch year.
What is the body style of the Ford Ranchero?
The Ford Ranchero is a coupe utility that was produced by Ford between 1957 and 1979. Unlike a standard pickup truck, the Ranchero was adapted from a two-door station wagon platform that integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body.
